Media or Fans?

[Eric the Red]

"Every now and then you guys might be a little critical of us," safety Austin Cassidy told reporters, "but nine wins, that's a dang good season no matter how you cut it. It's tough to come in week in and week out and bring it every week. We wanted to win the Big Ten. We want to win every game. When we're old and reflecting on the season, nine wins is something we're going to be proud of."

The players seem to think it's the media's fault or actions for the negativity that surrounds the program at times. I've read this several times in interviews. But isn't the media just relaying and printing what the some of us are saying? Should the media be blamed for this or is this the fans fault who write on message boards and blogs? Or in the end, the media has the final say on what they are writing?

 

[hskrpwr13]

My thought is that the players and coached shouldn't be overly concerned with the fans or media like Bo preaches. However, Bo himself can't seem to follow his own advice. Frankly, I dont think the team should ever read whats typed on anonymous message boards.

With that stated, I dont think I've ever seen a Husker team so concerned with whats being "said" about them from those of us outside the program (including the media), and sadly, I think they've collectively let it negatively affect them.

IMO, sites like this are for the fans to express thoughts, have discussion, and provide our own amateur analysis. Or more pointedly, they're for our entertainment/outlet (and for some, a money making opportunity). They shouldn't be used by those in the program, or even media, to draw conclusions about how the collective fanbase personally feels about them.

 

[krc1995]

The media is a double edge sword. Great, if your winning, harsh if your not. The traditional way of reporting news, journalist write it, paper's print it, and people read it, is almost a dinosaur. Message boards, blogs, social media outlets are immediate; there is no delay in writing a story and printing a story, so when you have a crappy game you don't have to wait until the Sunday's sports edition to read about it. I would imagine such swift and sharp criticism feels like it's us vs. them, when things are not going well. But I thinking the traditional-type media is reeling and the only way to steal the attention back from social media's power, is to write very negative things to attract readers. I don't know who's right or wrong, but if I were a coach I would have a social media policy asap.

 

[Count 'Bility]

So much of our in state media writes way to much with negative tone. Regardless of what the fanbase thinks, and yes I know media has to be unbiased in their reporting, but let's face it, unbiased reporting just simply does not exist in this country anymore. So they might as well be helpful and begin reporting and writing with positive tone. Yes, that's you Dirk.

 

[Enhance]

The media is what it is. As someone who sides with the media more often than not, I understand Cassidy's frustrations, but he has to consider his position. He's a safety for Nebraska - a traditional powerhouse. We have fans rabid for news and tons of reporters delivering that news. This team has also had some inexcusable performances this year. They didn't exactly put themselves in the best position to avoid being criticized. That said, I have no problem with what Cassidy said because it's true. We were critical. But in many case, I don't think we were over-the-top critical.

 

[dubsker]

"Every now and then you guys might be a little critical of us," safety Austin Cassidy told reporters, "but nine wins, that's a dang good season no matter how you cut it. It's tough to come in week in and week out and bring it every week. We wanted to win the Big Ten. We want to win every game. When we're old and reflecting on the season, nine wins is something we're going to be proud of."

The players seem to think it's the media's fault or actions for the negativity that surrounds the program at times. I've read this several times in interviews. But isn't the media just relaying and printing what the some of us are saying? Should the media be blamed for this or is this the fans fault who write on message boards and blogs? Or in the end, the media has the final say on what they are writing?

The thing I've really come to realize is that the people who are most critical and quite frankly ridiculous after a loss are really the unhappy, vocal, minority. There's nothing wrong with criticism but unfortunately a few don't know how to deliver it without sounding like a miserable a$$. Our esteemed writers are seldom wise enough to tell the difference and people like Cowherd sell, so sometimes we get scathing crap that a huge chunk of the population doesn't agree with. Then, the team can't tell the difference either.

I about died when I heard Damon Benning say he didn't want to be called an "apologist" on Big Red Wrap-Up, an insult frequently thrown around against anyone who is positive about Bo on one of the pay sites I know he frequents.. Really dude? You're going to preemptively shield yourself from the insults of the angry, very vocal internet minority for daring to be optimistic for a second? Where the hell do you think we are? The sh#t people write on here doesn't matter except when idiots in the media pick up on it. People don't realize it takes a special kind of person to get on the internet and constantly tear down your team, or writing a letter to the editor telling him how awful Bo is. You know, because you just can't chill out, let it all unfold, and enjoy being in pretty good company with teams that have consecutive 9 win seasons. That thing we have 4 of now.

@Enhance89: I agree with a lot of what you said. I guess my problem is grown, educated adults who don't know the difference between message board vitriol/speculation/rumors/drunk ranting and continually run with crap they have no business publishing, all to keep up with an unfiltered internet that's wrecking their industry.

 

[Conga3]

I think the media folks try to echo the fan base in their writings..but part of the problem is angry/upset fans are much louder than fans with more tempered responses after loses.

The glass have full crowd easily gets shouted down after a loss when all the dog kickers come out and proclaim the end is near.

I wish players were bombarded with more positive reinforcement throughout their career - even after poor performances. Our jobs as fans is to support the team, not tear it down.

I worry a bit that the NU fanbase, which has long been a very positive aspect of a Husker player's career - is turning into more of the enemy.

 

[dubsker]

I think the media folks try to echo the fan base in their writings..but part of the problem is angry/upset fans are much louder than fans with more tempered responses after loses.

The glass have full crowd easily gets shouted down after a loss when all the dog kickers come out and proclaim the end is near.

I wish players were bombarded with more positive reinforcement throughout their career - even after poor performances. Our jobs as fans is to support the team, not tear it down.

I worry a bit that the NU fanbase, which has long been a very positive aspect of a Husker player's career - is turning into more of the enemy.

That's the problem and it is to be expected in this age, but I'm unrealistically wishing for a little discernment from our writers as they come of age and learn all about the internet. It's come straight from the horses mouth that they scour message boards for leads/info/ideas, and it's become uncomfortably apparent that they do a very poor job of using the internet to actually gauge the pulse of Husker Nation. They use it as a way to sensationalize our football team and stay in business for another 6 months.

 

[Guy Chamberlin]

The media isn't much different -- and probably more positive -- than most of us are on here. We're die-hard Husker fans, and because we are, it's impossible not to talk about things going wrong. Especiallly if you understand football and want to talk about it as a sport, and not the psychological imact it has on the state.

The defense this year was a surprise and a disappointment. The Pelini Brothers have enjoyed fame and relative fortune as defensive gurus. Outside the shrillest of yahoos who come with every fanbase, they've earned some scrutiny and criticism in this, their fourth season and the first filled mostly with their own recruits. The media and the fanbase have been pretty fair to Beck and a young offense, and they've earned that response, too. The fan frustration is that we still can't seem to get the O and the D on the same page.

Living in CA I don't read much of the local press, but sometimes you guys link to a Husker story you find inflammatory, and to be honest I just don't see it.

I also think reading, listening to and Tweeting criticism has gotten out of hand, and there's hardly a single athlete left on the planet who doesn't feel he's been disrespected and will now play with a chip on his shoulder.

 

[Hunter94]

everyone has to adjust now acct social networking, etc. any swinging d!(k can postulate an opinion of what he sees or thinks he sees in any game.

this situation is not going to change.

 

[dubsker]

The media isn't much different -- and probably more positive -- than most of us are on here. We're die-hard Husker fans, and because we are, it's impossible not to talk about things going wrong. Especiallly if you understand football and want to talk about it as a sport, and not the psychological imact it has on the state. .

I do not buy this idea that the most critical are the ones with the greatest understanding of football. If you know quite a bit about football, you know how many things that you simply do not know. That's what I love about Urban Meyer calling games. He's a coach so he's very quick to point out when it's just his speculation/opinion and he does not know the whole story while bringing a ton of substance in the meantime. Please don't make this about the people who can have actually have a civil X's and O's conversation over a message board. I love those threads and it's why I'm here or on any board, for that chance when I get to learn something I did not know. Those people aren't the problem and never have been, they are also not what inspires threads like this.

Like I said, I understand what the media is/does and how similar situations play out everywhere. You also have to remember the media is one of the most powerful myth makers and they are fully aware of the power they have to rabble rouse. I can accept/live with/tolerate something but still have no respect for the people who chose to get in on the game and perpetuate it. When people (so called "journalists" )start pulling out speculation hatchets that really bring a negative vibe around the program (hey Dirk/TX game), then I'm out and you're not getting any more of my ad revenue than I have to give you. We lost that game because Texas scored more points, not because you're of the opinion-you'll-pass-as-fact that you don't like the way Taylor looks on the sidelines. I have expectations for the media that are not being met and probably never will be. If college football players aren't meant to be immune to it, professional workers in a trade that should be most vital to our way of life shouldn't be either.

"Every now and then you guys might be a little critical of us," safety Austin Cassidy told reporters, "but nine wins, that's a dang good season no matter how you cut it. It's tough to come in week in and week out and bring it every week. We wanted to win the Big Ten. We want to win every game. When we're old and reflecting on the season, nine wins is something we're going to be proud of."

I guess I'll address this as well since the quote inspired the thread. He said 'a little' critical of us. We're talking about players being thinned skinned over a player acknowledging that in the fish bowl there are some people who are not happy with 9-3? I'm supposed to make an issue of Austin making some fans feel bad for acknowledging they faced criticism? It's not like he's making it up. Do you expect him to get up there and say that his career was a miserable failure and they faced no challenges? 9-3 was a walk in the park? I'm not singling you out at all Eric, I know you are asking and I'm of the opinion that this is what these issues are about. Some fans question whether the team/coach actually like them and in some ways I find that understandable. There are some messages getting jumbled from both sides.

I'm sorry, but a bunch of people here can't articulate a thought without receiving criticism and you expect it of a college student who maybe doesn't understand that everything he says is going to get thrown all over the place without any thought to expression/tone/context? Politicians get murdered by the soundbite, it's undeniable, and people expect football players who aren't professionals to master avoiding it. Baffling. Didn't you hear? Bo doesn't care about championships anymore. With that said, I'd rather they blame the media than the fans.

 

[VA Husker Fan]

Bo has an Us vs. Them view of the media. Nobody should be surprised when some of the media feels like "Them" and turns a bit against Bo, and therefore the team. It kind of sucks, but that's the way it goes. Osborne wasn't a media darling like Switzer and Bowden, but he knew how to keep the media on his side.

And if Cassidy thinks nobody will be a little critical of a team that is totally flat in at least 2 of their games, he's off base. It doesn't bother me when we play hard and lose. I felt the Wisconsin game was a lot like that. Michigan might have beaten us anyway, but that wasn't a good effort.

 

[dubsker]

Bo has an Us vs. Them view of the media. Nobody should be surprised when some of the media feels like "Them" and turns a bit against Bo, and therefore the team. It kind of sucks, but that's the way it goes. Osborne wasn't a media darling like Switzer and Bowden, but he knew how to keep the media on his side.

And if Cassidy thinks nobody will be a little critical of a team that is totally flat in at least 2 of their games, he's off base. It doesn't bother me when we play hard and lose. I felt the Wisconsin game was a lot like that. Michigan might have beaten us anyway, but that wasn't a good effort.

Would you please help me out with seeing where he thinks nobody will be critical of them? I'm having a little trouble. Thanks! I'd also like to know how he's to be able to tell the difference between you being mad at him for not playing hard and just being critical because they lost?

 

[ladyhawke]

The media is a double edge sword. Great, if your winning, harsh if your not. The traditional way of reporting news, journalist write it, paper's print it, and people read it, is almost a dinosaur. Message boards, blogs, social media outlets are immediate; there is no delay in writing a story and printing a story, so when you have a crappy game you don't have to wait until the Sunday's sports edition to read about it. I would imagine such swift and sharp criticism feels like it's us vs. them, when things are not going well. But I thinking the traditional-type media is reeling and the only way to steal the attention back from social media's power, is to write very negative things to attract readers. I don't know who's right or wrong, but if I were a coach I would have a social media policy asap.

The same can be said of message boards and social media forums. I noticed that we haven't had a 'Fire Bo' thread after this win, but whoa look out when we lose!